Breaking Down Barriers

In this insightful discussion, Host David Ponraj speaks with John Dearie, President of the Center for American Entrepreneurship (CAE). John lays out a compelling case for why fostering entrepreneurship is pivotal for driving U.S. economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As America faces challenges around lackluster economic performance and declining startup rates, Dearie and his organization...

In this episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Tarsha Hearns, Sr. Director at The DEC Network in Dallas, TX. Together, they shared the progress of our exciting, collaborative initiative to support underrepresented founders in Dallas. The Dallas-based Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund study was launched in 2023 with an anticipated fund implementation in the fall of 2024. This fund is a...

In this episode, Host David Ponraj digs into the immense potential in public sector work with Carroll Bernard, CEO & Co-Founder at Govology.com, and former government worker at the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Carroll and his team at Govology specialize in opening up opportunities in the $500 billion government contracting market to small businesses, as there is an immense gap in...

In this episode, host David Ponraj has a no holds barred conversation with Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President of Urban Strategies, Inc. They discuss USI’s place-based initiative that focuses on housing, people, and economic solutions. Donovan shares that having a strong sense of place and belonging is what makes a thriving community; it is the most central part of economic development. “Plac...

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Johnathan Holifield, published author and highly practiced economic development authority, about his book: The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness . Johnathan, the Architect of Inclusive Competitiveness (™) is the former executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCU and senior vice president of Bitwise Industries,  and who's n...

In this episode, host David Ponraj and CO.STARTERS CEO Jose Alfaro discuss the power of collaborations between economic developers, entrepreneurs, local leaders, and other partners to drive economic growth. They share success stories from Nashville, Sioux Falls, and beyond, highlighting how CO.STARTERS initiatives create the infrastructure, culture, and investment needed to attract businesses and...

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Matt Wagner, Ph. D , Chief Program Officer at National Main Street Center, about the vital role small businesses play in communities across America. They discuss how local businesses are the heart and soul of Main Street, serving as hubs for social connection and economic growth. Matt also speaks about his new podcast, Main Street Business Insights, a...

The Dallas Entrepreneurs Center (DEC) is on a mission to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers underserved communities. Through mentorship and connecting entrepreneurs to vital resources, The DEC Network helps businesses launch and grow across the North Texas region. With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs of color facing unique challenges, The DEC is committed to inclusive...

EIC hosted an empowering webinar on Thursday, August 10th that highlighted NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent, a groundbreaking workforce development program for the BIPOC community. NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent provides customized skills training, career coaching, and job placement support to unlock the potential of talented individuals eager to meaningfully contribute their abilities. Attendees heard...

In 2022, we partnered with  The DEC Network  to address the capital access gap among Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in Dallas County. With generous support from  JPMorgan Chase & Co. ,  The DEC Network  and Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC) undertook an in-depth assessment to develop recommendations and effective interventions. Recent research suggests that equitable and...

In this episode, show host David Ponraj speaks with Leslie Lynn Smith, National Executive Director for GET Cities (Gender Equality in Tech) at SecondMuse, about her journey and lessons learned in economic development and ecosystem building. Listeners will learn about the importance of collaboration between different organizations and initiatives, thinking holistically about workforce development a...

In this episode, show host David Ponraj and special guest Evan Adams examine the Dallas College Venture Club and Dallas College with Cristin Thomas, Senior Director of Small Business and Entrepreneur Innovation at Dallas College. Listeners will learn more about the roots of DCVC and the Bill J. Priest Institute for workforce and economic development. They will also learn about the wide variety of...

In this episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Melissa Roberts Chapman. Melissa leads Federation of American Scientists regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem-building work across the country. Both David and Melissa dive into EDA funding, tech hubs, the CHIPS Act, and much more. Also featured in this episode, Melissa and David discuss innovation, innovation ecosystems, and ecosystem b...

In this captivating episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Sharon Nichols, State Director at the Mississippi Small Business Development Center.  The Mississippi SBDC is the gateway to, and premier provider of, small business assistance and resources that lead to success and entrepreneurial growth throughout the state. Their mission is to foster Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; provid...

In this deep-dive episode, show host David Ponraj speaks with Melody Echols and Jeff Morris, pioneers in entrepreneurship-led economic development. They discuss the implementation and tracking of Technical Assistance in Greater Atlanta through several programs: ATLInBusiness , the Open for Business Program , the Tyler Perry tax payment program , and more. Melody and Jeff work for Invest Atlanta, t...

In this special and intriguing episode, guest host Jodi McLean, Director of Sales and Marketing at EIC, is joined by Chris Heivly, Managing Director of Build the Fort, an umbrella entity that helps Chris serve entrepreneurs, startup companies and startup community champions through books, speaking, in-person workshops, and consulting. Chris is one of the nation’s leading experts on launching start...

In this Special Edition episode of Breaking Down Barriers, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, host David Ponraj has an in-depth and raw conversation with guest Johnny Crowder, entrepreneur and founder of Cope Notes, and advocate for mental health. David and Johnny have shared a friendship and served as peers and advocates for each other through their entrepreneurial journey. Cope Notes and...

In this episode, host David Ponraj talks with Danny McDonald, SBA Expert for Listo SBA, who specializes in 7(a) loans to finance Working Capital, Debt Refinance, Business Acquisitions, Building Acquisitions, Partner Buyouts and more. McDonald talks about the roots of his professional journey until now. He describes how important it is to him to see small businesses growing.  He started his ca...

In this episode, David Ponraj talks with Dr. Sabrina Robins, COO of AbaCor (an Abaxent Co.) and Member Board of Directors of African Heritage Inc.  Dr. Robins speaks on the connection of underrepresented business owners and workers  to more opportunities. Dr. Robins focuses on a population of society that is marginalized and overlooked in different ways, and she works with companies that...

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Wendy Lea, CEO of Energize Colorado and Advisory Council Member of National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE). Lea discusses the roots of Energize Colorado & ecosystem building, and how the main mission is to close the gaps that are significant for underserved entrepreneurs. Lea also mentions NACIE, and the development of...

In this discussion, host David Ponraj talks with Dr. Robert Blaine, Sr. Executive and Director of the Institute for Youth, Education and Families at National League of Cities (NLC) and the CAO for the City of Jackson, MS. Dr. Blaine reveals how the NLC is working tirelessly to bring economic inclusion to marginalized residents at a city level, to provide human infrastructure along with physical in...

In this episode, guest host Molly King is joined by Teresa Grandal Cusse, Assistant Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation Fort Lauderdale, FL.  The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation is a public-private partnership between Nova Southeastern University and Broward County acting as an economic and education development engine linking the South...

In this discussion, we are joined by leaders in the field who are forging powerful diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives to expand economic opportunity and break down barriers for women and minority entrepreneurs. In this segment of the Catalyst Network 2022 Discussion Series, we analyze how uniting entrepreneurial opportunity and economic development practice, with a focus on racial equit...

From non-profits to the private sector, Ms. Metzer possesses an array of skills and experiences in project management and ecosystem development. In addition, Ms. Metzer is a self-motivated entrepreneur and works passionately to develop rural opportunities in Appalachia and across the country. Ms. Metzer currently serves as the Vice-President and Co-founder of the National Center for Resource Devel...

This week, host David Ponraj is joined by Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman, Deputy Executive Director, and David Brock, Director of Operations, at KY Innovation. Within the Cabinet for Economic Development, KY Innovation is a statewide initiative representing Kentucky’s approach to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. KY Innovation successfully targets resources to support startups, traditio...